Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
O*NET 51-9083.00 · SOC 51-9083
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician is a solid career choice. Median pay is $39k a year with +2.2% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Cut optical lenses to fit specific eyeglass frames
- →Grind lens blanks to prescribed diopter measurements
- →Polish lens surfaces to remove scratches and imperfections
- →Apply anti-reflective coatings to finished optical lenses
- →Mount finished lenses into eyeglass frames using tools
Education & How to Get In
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians is projected to grow 2.2% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·41% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician make?
The median Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician earns $39k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician jobs?
Our model puts Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician at 50 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 41% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician?
Most Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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